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I am a list maker. I even go as far to put little boxes next to the things I need to do so that I can check them off. I have always done this. Don’t judge.

Lists could work for you when it comes to working out! On Sunday night, or Monday morning set some goals for yourself, and write them down. Hand write them. Yes- with a a pen or pencil. Even go as far to use pretty colors. For each week, I look up my gyms fitness schedule and pick at least three classes I want to go to. Spin always seems to find its way in there on Wednesdays, and I have even started to add some Les Mills Body Pump to the mix which I am enjoying. If you are not a member at a gym, maybe check the weather for that week and try to plan a workout outside one or two days, and then the other days maybe go swim if you have a pool available, or even go on a night time walk to stay active.

Once you have made your list, when you accomplish something cross it off. There is something about crossing something off a list that makes you feel so much more accomplished.

Everyone’s list looks different. But it is one thing that keeps me motivated week to week. For an example, here is a list I made for next week:

Some days I enjoy blasting my headphones and setting my own pace when I run, but other days I would prefer to run with others who either push me, or I encourage without any music, and just have the sounds of my heavy, sometimes annoying breathing.

This didn’t really click until yesterday when I ran in the I Run Colorado 5K at Wash Park in Denver with 5 other people. Half of us had head phones, and half of us didn’t. When the race started we all kept about a 8:30min/mile pace and then we started breaking off after the 1st mile marker. I started to realize I was breathing very heavy just after 2 miles, and because I didn’t have my headphones in, I started concentrating on my breaths. In through my nose, out through my nose. Then in through my nose, out through my mouth. And I alternated this. Doing this really made me NOT concentrate on time, or where I was in the race.
Anyone can argue which is a better way to run, or which is more enjoyable, but if you are an avid I-must-wear-my-headphones runner, try running without. And vise versa. You may find some things out you like better than what you are already doing now. And personally- if you HAVE to listen to music, get the ipod nano. Clipping it to your shirt/shorts allows you to be hands free and it can help with your form. Just a quick two cents before I sign off.